Abstract
Problem: There is little information regarding the impact of the intrauterine device on immune parameters of the upper female reproductive tract related to risk of HIV acquisition. Method of Study: We collected cervical and endometrial samples from women using the hormonal intrauterine device to study its effects on endocervical cytokines/chemokine concentrations, phenotypic markers of T cells, responses of endometrial T cells to activation, and alterations of endometrial cellular infiltrates. Results: Hormonal intrauterine device use was associated with: increased concentrations of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines (endocervix); increased coexpression of CXCR4 and CCR5 (endocervix and endometrium); increased coexpression of CD38 and HLADR (endocervix and endometrium); increased intracellular IL-10 production after T-cell stimulation (endometrium); and increased density of T cells, most notably regulatory T cells (endometrium). Conclusion: Hormonal intrauterine device use resulted in both inflammatory and immunosuppressive alterations. Further research is needed to determine the significance of these changes for HIV risk.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 137-148 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | American Journal of Reproductive Immunology |
Volume | 76 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 1 2016 |
Keywords
- chemokine
- cytokine
- HIV
- IUD
- progestin
- T-cell
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology